Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, longtime residents of New Rochelle, are one of the most revered couples of the American stage, and two of the most prolific and fearless artists in American culture. As individuals and as a team they have created a moving and profound body of work that has left a lasting impression on us all. With courage and tenacity they have thrown open many a door previously shut tight to African American artists and planted the seed for the flowering of America's multicultural society. When Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee were honored by the Screen Actors' Guild with its highest honor, the Life Achievement Award, SAG president William Daniels said: "For more than half a century, they have enriched and transformed American life as brilliant actors, writers, directors, producers, and passionate advocates for social justice, human dignity, and creative excellence." Their leadership and impact on the arts community in Westchester is immeasurable.

The Impressions Gala will take place in RPW Group’s newly created atrium at 1133 Westchester Avenue, White Plains, presided over by dinner chair and host Robert P. Weisz, President of RPW Group. Guests will see for the first time the soaring “wow” space that was Weisz’s vision when he first saw the property which is truly one of the most spectacular in Westchester.  A world-class dinner will be prepared by Citigroup Executive Chef Seamus Donagher and his creative staff in a setting reminiscent of an impressionist work of art, specially created for the evening by Mariani Gardens of Armonk. The authentic sounds of Nitesong will keep guests dancing well into the night.

As always, one of the evening’s highlights will be the fabulous silent auction, chaired by Arts Council board members Deborah Simon and Jacqueline Walker whose energetic committee gathered a wide variety of luxury items and excursions.  Take a break from dancing and bid on your dream vacation to Turkey courtesy of FLO USA; a shopping party at Stuart Weitzman's Westchester store; or a private tour of the New York gallery of your choice courtesy of New York Arts Exchange.  That’s just the beginning! Sports tickets, nights-on-the-town with limo service, fine jewelry, and many other unique items for the kids and pets round out the auction. If you just can’t wait to start bidding and want to preview the goodies, or can’t attend the gala and want to place your bids, visit the auction on-line at http://westartsauction.cmarket.com.

Thanks to Journal Chairs, Stephen Dishart of Swiss Re America, Robert Roth of John Meyer Consulting, and Lawrence Salley of Westchester County Department of Transportation, this year’s gala journal will be another “keeper” commemorating the evening and serving as the Arts Council’s annual report.  Impressions begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by fine dining and dancing until midnight. Ticket prices start at $600, with sponsorship packages available. All funds generated from the gala are used to support the programs and services of the Westchester Arts Council.

Westchester Arts Council, founded in 1965, is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts.  The Arts Council provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester. Our grants help fund concerts, exhibitions and plays; we bring artists into schools and community centers; we are the premiere marketer of the arts in Westchester. In 1998, the Westchester Arts Council purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains and has since developed the building as the Arts Exchange, a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community.

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